Chevron connector

ABSTRACT

Louver frame segments are joined mechanically by a chevronshaped connector member which is inserted in restricted passages and extends between abutting frame segments. The legs of the connector member have a compound angular relationship in that they are at an angle to each other in addition to the basic angle attributing the chevron shape. The legs have a nonplanar configuration attributed thereto by upset ribs offset toward like edges of their respective legs. The ribs are flattened in the restricted passages to thereby establish a positive wedge connection between the frame segments and, in being flattened, the ribs of each leg generally expand toward each other to form a hair-line joint between the frame segments.

nited States 72] inventors John F. Newell Madison; Walter M. Hassenplug,Madison; Reuben A. Zahler, Verona, all of Wis.

[21] Appl. No. 880,027

[22] Filed Nov. 26, 1969 [45] Patented Nov. 23, 1971 [73] Assignee WehrCorporation Milwaukee, Wis.

[54] CHEVRON CONNECTOR H, 20.92 R, 20.92 C, 20.92 D, 54 A, 54 B, 54 C;52/656; 160/381 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,290,07712/1966 LaBarge 287/20.92C

3,294,429 12/1966 Halip 287/l89.36 H FORElGN PATENTS 284,017 11/1952Switzerland 287/l89.36 H

ABSTRACT: Louver frame segments are joined mechanically by achevron-shaped connector member which is inserted in restricted passagesand extends between abutting frame segments. The legs of the connectormember have a compound angular relationship in that they are at an angleto each other in addition to the basic angle attributing the chevronshape. The legs have a nonplanar configuration attributed thereto byupset ribs offset toward like edges of their respective legs. The ribsare flattened in the restricted passages to thereby establish a positivewedge connection between the frame segments and, in being flattened, theribs of each leg generally expand toward each other to form a hair-linejoint between the frame segments.

caavaoN CONNECTOR BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates toconnectors for structural members, and, more particularly, to connectinglouver frame segments for air diffusers and the like which will beexposed in use.

One prior method of joining structural frame segments has been to weldabutting surfaces of the segments. While this method forms a positiveconnection, it is undesirable where external appearances are importantsince the heat applied can cause unsightly blemishes. This is especiallytrue where the frames are made from anodized aluminum and is furtheraggravated in that a portion of the anodic coating must be removed forwelding.

Various types of mechanical methods of connection have been proposed butthese too have generally proven to be unsatisfactory for one of tworeasons. One, the connector member is usually somewhat complex andexpensive to fabricate and install; or two, the methods involve crimpingor 20 other deformation of the structural members which affect theirexternal appearance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is the principal object of this invention isprovide a 25 method for positively joining together frame segments of,for example, an air diffuser in a simple and inexpensive manner whichdoes not detract from the esthetic appearance of the frame and whichestablishes and maintains a tight butt joint between the frame segments.

For achievement of these and other objects, this invention proposesproviding the frame segments to be joined with restricted passages forreceipt of the connector member. The

connector member is generally chevron shaped having legs 35 nector. Thelegs are inserted in the restricted passages of the 40 frame segments tobe joined and abutting one of the walls defining the restricted passageand the upset portion is flattened into engagement with the other wallto thereby provide a positive connection between the frame segments andinsure a tight buttjoint between the frame segments.

In addition to the basic simplicity of the connection, factory assemblyis unnecessary and frame members can be shipped in an unassembled stateso that savings in shipment costs can also be realized.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an exploded plan view of the connectorproposed by this invention prior to its insertion into the framemembers;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view ofa frame member with the connector memberinserted prior to deformation of the connector;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view ofa frame member after the connector memberhas been formed into positive engagement with the crane member;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the crane comer after it has been connectedin accordance with this invention; and

FIG. Sis a side view of the connection shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT LII In a common, conventionalconstruction, the peripheral louver frame is square or rectangular andis made up of a number of connected frame segments. Portions of twoframe segments and 12 are illustrated.

Each frame segment includes body l6 having an exposed face 17 as shownin FIG. 3, face 17 being externally exposed to the room when thediffuser is installed. In addition, each segment includes inner andouter flange portions 18 and 20 extending the length of the framesegment, portion 18 being at an angle a" (hereinafter referred to as thelouver angle) to body 16 such that as the diffuser is installed as aterminal point in a ventilation system, the inner and outer flangeportions can also be received as inner and outer sides, respectively, ofthe connected segments. Flange l8 fits against the ceiling or wall,whichever the case may be, and body 16 is recessed within the ceiling orwall and is disposed at the angle a" with respect to flange l8. Flangeportion 20 can be of any suitable conventional configuration which isadapted to attach the air diffuser to the duct work of a ventilationsystem in an installation. The particular configuration of flange 20 isnot essential for purposes of this invention and will not be describedin detail, it being well understood in the art.

Frame segments l0 and 12 also include mitered edges 28 and 30,respectively, which permit the two segments to be butted together in afashion such that edges 28 and 30 are in abutment, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5, and both segments 10 and 12 are disposed at the louver angle. Itwill be appreciated that the amount of louver angle a depends on thedesign criteria of the diffuser.

Frame segments 10 and 12 include a restricted passageway 32 on the sideopposite surface 17, passageway 32 being unexposed to the room when thediffuser is installed. Restricted passageway 32 is characterized by aflat surface 34 opposite exposed face 17 and, in addition, twosubstantially L-shaped projecting legs 38 and 40. Projection 38 iscomprised of a leg 42 extending substantially normal to face 34 and asecond leg 44 spaced from and extending substantially parallel to face34. Leg is substantially the same as leg 38 having leg 46 extendingnormal to face 34 and a leg 48 spaced from and extending parallel toface 34. Legs 44 and 48 face each other and provide opposed surfacesbetween which restricted passageway 32 is defined. Restricted passageway32 extends the length of 5 the frame segments and is provided forreceipt of the connector member which will now be described.

Connector member 50 as shown in FIG. 1, in an exploded plan view,includes two leg portions 52 and 54. The connector is chevron shaped andlegs 52 and 54 have a compound angular relationship, i.e., they areangularly related to each other about two axes. More specifically, andwith reference to a first plane, the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 orparallel to flange 18, a basic chevron angle B is formed in a directionparallel to that plane. Angle B is determined by the miter joint betweenthe segments. The second angle is the angle "C" at which the legs aredisposed to that plane in FIG. 2. Angle c," as shown in FIG. 2, issubstantially equal to angle a." At the juncture of legs 52 and 54 ofconnector 50, a rib 56 is provided, rib 56 allowing for clearance ofpossible burrs which may be formed when the louver extrusions for framesegments 10 and 12 are cut to form the miter joint.

Legs 52 and 54 of connector 50 each have a nonplanar configuration intransverse cross section, this configuration is pro vided by an upsetrib portion 58 clearly shown in FIG. 2. Rib portion 58 is provided sothat the initial width of each leg of the connector member is less thanthe width of the restricted passages 32 on the frame segments 10 and 12.That is, less than the distance between projections 38 and 40 so thatthe connector member is easily installed in the passageway as shown inFIG. 2. With the connector member positioned as in FIG. 2, rib portion58 is flattened against surface 34 of restricted passageway 32 to wedgeboth legs of the connection between the opposed projections 38 and 40 ofthe restricted passageway 32. The expanded width of the connector legsis clearly illustrated in FIG. 3. With both legs so flattened ordeformed from their initial position, a secure and positive mechanicalinterlock is provided between the lower segments.

lt will also be noted that the connector member is cut out at areas 24and 26. With this arrangement the inner edges of rib portions 58 areseparated from the central portion of the chevron substantially over theentire length of the edges. This facilitates forming portions 58initially and the flattening thereof to form the wedge connection aswill now be described.

Preferably, rib portions 58 of connector member 50 are offset from thelongitudinal center of each leg of the connector member 50 adjacent oneedge of the connector member, i.e., corresponding edges. With thisarrangement and the compound angular relation between the connectormember legs, the expansion of rib portions 58 in the restricted passageswill be toward each other and at an angle to the butt joint between thesegments. This produces a force tending to wedge the frame segmentstogether along their mitered edges 28 and 30 to provide a tight orhairline miter joint and to maintain that joint in service.

ln practice, frame segments 10 and 12 are positioned adjacent each otherwith mitered edges 28 and 30 butted together. The connector member isthen inserted in restricted passage 32 as shown in FIG. 2 with its lowerleg edges abutting lower projections 38. Using projections 38 as a base,rib portions 58 are then flattened as shown in FlGS. 3-5 producing boththe positive and rigid connection between the frame segments i and i2and the force urging the segments together along their miter joint.

The method of connection proposed by this invention provides a secureand rigid mechanical connection between two frame segments. Theconnection is extremely simple to achieve and can be used with anodizedextruded aluminum members without detracting from the externalappearance. The novel chevron-shaped connector member can be simplystamped using mass production techniques and the connection can be madeat the factory or in the field with equal facility. It will beappreciated that this invention can be used to mechanically join anylouver structural segments, and regardless of their shape and relativepositioning.

Although but one embodiment of the present invention has 4 beenillustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention as described.

We claim:

i. In combination:

first and second frame segments arranged at a predetermined louverangle, said segments also being mitered to form a miter jointtherebetween;

means defining a restricted passage on said frame segments for receivinga connector member, said means including opposed surfaces extendingalong the length of said segments for restraining said connector membertherebetween, said opposed surfaces having a preselected spacingtherebetween;

a connector member extending between said frame segments into each ofsaid passages, said connector member characterized by having twogenerally elongated leg members having a compound angular relationshiptherebetween in that said legs are arranged with a basic chevron angletherebetween and are further disposed at an angle to each othercorresponding to said louver angle;

said leg members each initially having a transverse raised rib portionoffset laterally from the longitudinal axis of said leg member which ribportion is deformed, after said leg members are placed in said passage,to wedge the outer edges of said leg members between the opposedsurfaces of said passages to provide a connection between said framesegments; and

means defining an opening adjacent said rib portions inter mediate saidleg members and extending inwardly generall coextensive with said ribportions so that the edges 0 said rib portions ad acent said centralportion are generally separate from said central portion to permit saidleg members to expand, when said rib portions are deformed, in a mannertending to urge said frame segments together along their miter edges.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said central portion furtherincludes a raised rib portion generally overlying said miter joint.

1. In combination: first and second frame segments arranged at apredetermined louver angle, said segments also being mitered to form amiter joint therebetween; means defining a restricted passage on saidframe segments for receiving a connector member, said means includingopposed surfaces extending along the length of said segments forrestraining said connector member therebetween, said opposed surfaceshaving a preselected spacing therebetween; a connector member extendingbetween said frame segments into each of said passages, said connectormember characterized by having two generally elongated leg membershaving a compound angular relationship therebetween in that said legsare arranged with a basic chevron angle therebetween and are furtherdisposed at an angle to each other corresponding to said louver angle;said leg members each initially having a transverse raised rib portionoffset laterally from the longitudinal axis of said leg member which ribportion is deformed, after said leg members are placed in said passage,to wedge the outer edges of said leg members between the opposedsurfaces of said passages to provide a connection between said framesegments; and means defining an opening adjacent said rib portionsintermediate said leg members and extending inwardly generallycoextensive with said rib portions so that the edges of said ribportions adjacent said central portion are generally separate from saidcentral portion to permit said leg members to expand, when said ribportions are deformed, in a manner tending to urge said frame segmentstogether along their miter edges.
 2. The combination of claim 1 whereinsaid central portion further includes a raised rib portion generallyoverlying said miter joint.